The Houston Astros are anticipating a significant boost this weekend with the return of All-Star outfielder. According to MLB.com, the team is hopeful that the super talent, who has been sidelined since June 3 due to a foul ball injury to his right leg, will be ready to start on Friday as the designated hitter. Astros manager Joe Espada mentioned that he is showing improvement and will be utilized in the DH position once or twice a week.
“He ran, and hopefully we could get him in there in the series against the D-backs,” Espada said, per MLB.com. “It looks really good, so [we’re] very hopeful. Probably [Friday] could be the day, so we’ll see.”
Tucker’s injury was initially diagnosed as a contusion on his right shin, but he disclosed on Monday that it was actually a small fracture. He was put on the 10-day injured list four days after the injury and was moved to the 60-day IL on July 30.
Although Tucker’s absence was expected to significantly impact the Astros, the team has thrived in his absence, winning over 60 percent of their games and holding the best record in the American League. When Tucker was injured, the Astros were six games below .500; now, they’re 10 games above and lead the AL West, having overcome a 10-game deficit on June 18.
Houston will start a three-game home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Friday, following a recent sweep by the Cincinnati Reds.
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